The article provides a novel approach to the implementation of virtual reality within planning and
design of manual processes and systems. The use of hardware and software required to perform different production - especially
assembly - tasks in a virtual environment, using CAD parts as interactive elements, is presented. Considering the CAD parts, the
format conversion problem is comprehensively described and solved using format conversion software to overcome the present poor data
connectivity between the CAD system and VR hardware and software. Two examples of work processes have been made in a virtual
environment: peg-in-hole and wall socket assembly. In the latter case, the traditional planning approach of manual assembly tasks
using predetermined motion time system MTM-2 has been compared with a modern approach in which the assembly task is fully performed
within a virtual environment. The comparison comprises a discussion on the assembly task execution times. In addition, general and
specific advantages and disadvantages that arise in the immersive designing of production processes using virtual reality are
presented, as well as reflections on teamwork and collaborative man-machine work. Finally, novel technologies are proposed to
overcome the main problems that occur when implementing VR, such as time-consuming scene defining or tedious CAD software data
conversion.